I'm different here. I don't think there is ever a time, place, or age for a bikini. (other than in private with your dh) I don't think it is appropriate to go out in public with something on that covers less than a bra and panties, for any age. I know when I go to amusement or water parks, I HATE seeing that!!! No matter what shape the body is in or the age.

Here's my thoughts on bikinis. Wear them if you wanna. I do, and will (if I look ok) wear a string bikini. Why? Because I can. Even at 27, 5'3 and 135. And no, I don't look silly, or gross. I look good. And I can say that. Could I look BETTER? Sure, we all could. But I refuse to wait til then. Do it now.

I guess it is all a preference on to how much skin you are comfortable showing. For me, no one needs to see me in less than a tankini besides my husband. Of course I would look horrible in a bikini, but even if I didn't I still would wear one. I never let the girls wear them, and they don't care, so far. Well, the little one has one, but I have several suits for her, a bikini(because it had Daisy Duck on it, and she had to have one) tankini, and one peice .
I do have to say, that I do not enjoy seeing ladies with thong bathing suits(I don't think you can do that here anyway) or very teeny cover almost nothing bikinis. But I see nothing wrong with a bikini that covers all your parts, and nothing hangs out.
I also have to say, that even if I was smaller, I am sure my teenage son would be apalled to go to the beach with his mother in a bikini.

If you've got it, flaunt it (if you want to). I turned 38 last week, have a 15 year old daughter, often still get asked for ID if I go to a bar (drinking age is 19 here), and am fit (run 6 miles a day). I've always worn bikinis, and I couldn't care less if anyone else thinks it's inappropriate for a 38 year old mother to wear them. I look far better in it than many of the 18 year old overweight girls I see these days.

I used to be able to wear bikini's even after my first child but with 2 c-sectios literally under my belt LOL and stretch marks I wouldn't be caught dead in one. I do have to wear two piece tankinis because I have a long torso and one pieces never fit me right. I say it doesn't have to do with age but what shape your body is in. If you are fit and have only a few stretch marks than go for it

If you feel comfortable wearing it then go for it. I wear a tankini now but I also have a 2 year old who grabs on and trys to pull off certain items of clothes. I will say this--if after my kids are older I feel comfy in a bikini--then darn right I will wear one

I'm about to be 26 this year. I have 2 children and working on #3. I have the mommy tummy and although it's as flat as a mommy tummy can be, it's got the mama wrinkle..and I still wear a bikini. The older folks in my neighborhood smile real big and wave at me. So I'm not offending anyone I hope.

If you are comfortable wearing something of the sorts, great. I personally don't mind sitting in my bikini outside with my daughters watching them in the pool as I read a book. However once I know someone is coming to visit I throw on some shorts and a tank to cover me up. That's just me.